ALCOHOL STATE-DEPENDENT LEARNING IN MAN

Alcoholic and nonalcoholic Ss were tested using verbal learning procedures that included multiple trial free-recall learning of random and related words; 2) multiple trial serial learning; and 3) the production and reproduction of discrete free associations.

Abstract

Alcoholic and nonalcoholic Ss were tested using verbal learning procedures that included 1) multiple trial free-recall learning of random and related words; 2) multiple trial serial learning; and 3) the production and reproduction of discrete free associations. The Ss were tested while sober and while intoxicated. Alcoholic Ss, when intoxicated, showed a marked deficit in learning on free-recall learning and on the reproduction of free associations, while nonalcoholic Ss, when drinking, were most affected on serial learning. A second experiment was performed in which Ss learned while either sober or intoxicated and were retested on the same tasks 2 days later when they were either sober or intoxicated. Alcoholic Ss demonstrated a greater state-dependent learning effect than nonalcoholic Ss. That is, alcoholic Ss were less able to transfer previous learning when their state was different during retesting from their initial learning state. Previous learning was available when the initial learning state and the state on retesting were the same, including conditions in which the alcoholic was intoxicated on initial learning trials and 2 days later on retesting. In the alcoholic, alcohol produces a markedly different cognitive state compared to a nondrinking state. Cognitive changes attributable to alcohol were also noted in nonalcoholic Ss but not to the same extent as in alcoholic Ss.